Tips for Breast Augmentation Recovery

Cosmetic surgeries have been on the rise over the past few years. With the help of these procedures, patients can make the changes they want in their bodies. Breast augmentation or boob job is a common breast enlargement surgery that is performed largely throughout the world. This surgery helps people who are not satisfied with the size of their breasts to achieve the desired shape for their body.

Achieving the best results from cosmetic surgeries requires a few special considerations. One of the most important things is to choose a competent and experienced surgeon. Another thing, that may be as important as choosing a talented physician, is to follow post-surgery tips and instructions.

it should be noted that most cosmetic surgeries will have a satisfactory result if the patient observes the maximum care tips in order to complete the surgeon's work. Learning how long the recovery time will last and what to expect during the recovery period will help you better prepare for the experience.

What to Expect After Breast Augmentation?

If you wonder what happens after breast augmentation, read the following section:

Right after the surgery

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia. By the time you wake up from anesthesia, you feel groggy and achy. You can usually go home on the day of the surgery or the next day, but you will not be allowed to drive for up to a week; so, you need to ask someone to drive you home. 

It is good to know that in the first days after the surgery, the incision site is quite visible which gradually fades. You may also have minor bleeding in the first two or three days, that’s why you need to use bandages.

The first week 

We recommend asking a family member or friend to be with you for the first 72 hours after surgery. During the first week, you may feel pain in the incision site which can be reduced by prescribed medications as well as pain pumps. If your job is not strenuous, you can return to work a week after the surgery. 

Next couple of weeks 

After the first week, you almost have no sore. At this point, your physician may ask you to do your daily activities on your own; however, you have to avoid doing strenuous activities such as running and lifting heavy objects. Doing daily exercise in this period can speed up your healing process.  

Full recovery

Depending on your overall health condition and body features, full recovery takes about 6 to 8 weeks. Try to take prescribed painkillers and other meds according to the allotted time until you are fully recovered. 

What Should I Do After Breast Augmentation?

Observing the following tips will help you to reduce the recovery period and also get a much better result from your surgery. Do not forget that like all cosmetic surgeries doing breast augmentation is optional and it is you who has chosen to go through this experience. We recommend you bring a beautiful and shapely body to yourself by following the tips and instructions during the recovery period.

• Walk around to help the recovery process and prevent blood clots;
• Use prescribed medications to reduce the pain and prevent infection; 
• Stay hydrated by drinking water and juice and eat dishes that are easy to digest;
• Avoid pushing, pulling, and lifting heavy objects until 15 days after breast augmentation;
• Massage the absorbent sutures after 10 to 14 days or use silicone sheets to remove the scar;
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and reduce screen time before sleep;
• Avoid driving for 3 days after boob job in order to prevent bleeding;
• Contact your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as fever or scars;
• Wear a medical compression bra to reduce swelling of the breasts;
• Avoid any form of nicotine, including secondary smoke, in order to prevent blood pressure and help heal the wounds;
• Do not sleep on your side for at least 2 weeks;
• Do not sleep on your stomach because you may put pressure on the implants or the incisions.

How to Recover Fast After Breast Augmentation?

After breast augmentation, you need to stay at home and rest for about one week. Meanwhile, you can consider the following tips to speed up your recovery:

• Take pain relief medicines to control the pain;
• Do light exercises after 7 days;
• Wear a sports bra with smooth fabric and adjustable straps;
• Do your housework and shopping before the surgery;
• Drink plenty of water to get rid of toxins from the anesthesia;
• Keep your skin moisturized.

Possible Complications After Breast Augmentation

Some of the possible complications of breast augmentation include:

Feeling Pain after Surgery

The amount of pain that you feel after a boob job can vary depending on the size and location of the implants, capsular contracture, the surgical procedure, and the incisions. Mild pains can be reduced with prescribed painkillers, but in case of severe and persistent pain, call your specialist as soon as possible.

Breast Implant Rupture

Breast implants are usually very flexible and do not rupture easily. Doing daily activities, exercise, air travel, etc. do not harm the implants; however, the prosthesis may tear up and leak because of their normal aging.

The most common sign of a ruptured saline prosthesis is a sudden shrinkage of the breast. On the other hand, the main signs of ruptured silicone prosthesis are pain, abnormal swelling, and deformity of the breasts. These problems can be eliminated by doing breast augmentation revision and replacing the prosthesis.

Although the rupture of the implant is not an emergency, contact your surgeon as soon as possible to prevent the formation of internal scars.

Capsular Contracture

In some implants, especially the textured ones, after scarring, the breasts may contract and tighten. This problem is more likely to happen if the prosthesis is placed on the breast muscle.

Years after boob job, capsular contracture becomes more likely, but it can be relieved by doing breast augmentation revision and changing the prosthesis; however, there is always the possibility of its recurrence.

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy After Breast Augmentation 

Becoming pregnant after breast augmentation is not prohibited. The surgery can also be done during the pregnancy; however, it is not recommended because the breasts become larger during the pregnancy and it is not possible to make the right decision about the size and location of the implants.

Breastfeeding after boob job is highly dependent on the type of the incision. Usually, the lactation ducts remain in place and the surgery does not harm the lactation system. However, if the area around the aura and the nipple is cut, the amount of milk produced may be reduced by blocking some ducts.

How Long Breast Augmentation Last?

None of the breast implant types won’t last a lifetime and they may wear out inside the body without any sign. Extreme activities such as heavy exercises make the breast implants wear out sooner; so, it is important to visit a specialist about 10 to 15 years after the initial breast augmentation to check the prosthesis.

Tanning After Boob Job

After a boob job, it’s better to avoid sun tanning or using a tanning bed for a couple of months. Although tanning does not directly damage the breast prosthesis, it can cause the scar to darken and the prosthesis to become hot and loose.

Minimizing Scars After Boob Job

 Right after boob job surgery, the doctor applies ointment on the incision site to minimize the scarring; however, you should have a realistic view towards the surgical scars. The scars of breast augmentation may be visible for up to two years, but eventually, they will fade away and a pale white line may remain on the incision site. Meanwhile, you can use laser therapy to diminish the scars but it’s better to wait until the incision heals completely. 

Knowing all the necessary post-op tips, you can now take the best care of your health to obtain good results from your boob job. Make a mental note that post-surgery cares and a healthy lifestyle are as important as the surgery itself; so, it’s crucial to follow all the tips suggested in this article. Moreover, if you have any problems or discomfort, you can always contact your doctor.